Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror by Michael Scheuer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror
Book Review: If Scheuer is right, then the real war is in front of us
Summary: 5 Stars
Scheuer's exceptional work is an island of common sense, hard facts and expert anlysis in a sea of propaganda and wishful thinking. He states that the West and USA in particular is losing the war on terror because it is not ready to discharge the self-defeating myths that have troubled US policy since the 90s. The author makes many interesting points in this very sober work: 1) US' unconditional support to Israel is not only uneven and costly but almost catastrophic regarding the damage it causes to the relations with the Arabic people. 2) Osama bin Laden is not a mad murderer, a religious maniac or someone who is manipulated by other hidden figures, but a brave, clever, able and worthy opponent who means waht he says and one who must be taken seriously in order to be defeated. 3) Islamists do not wage war against America because they hate its way of life or its democratic values but because of its policy in the Middle East, and their "jihad" is defensive in nature and limited in objectives. 4) A war such as this can not be won by lawyers and police work alone and demands the full employment of the US military panoply and the secret services. 5) War can never be waged on the cheap and the idea of having other people and armies (i.e. Pakistan) to win it for you is not only bad but disastrous. 6) America has not seen the worst islamic attacks yet and the future is not bright if it doesn't change course. The islamists show exemplary patience and they even take care to lay the theoretical and theological foundation of the just use of WMD against civilian targets! 7) The idea of "exporting democracy" to societies that do not know and do not want it can not give sound results and the Afghan adventure is destined to have a tragic end. 8) The US could not give Al Qaeda a better present than the invasion of Iraq which turned the islamic majority against the West. 9) Al Qaeda considers that the US center of gravity (according to Clausewitz's doctrines) is not its loathing toward casualties but its economy, and the future strikes against it will target to destabilize its financial balance and the economic activities worldwide. This is an excellent book that offers a glimpse at the other side of the hill and all policy-makers should read it and give it proper attention.Book Review: Sobering Good Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I think this is one of the more excellent and insightful books available on the subject of the "War on Terrorism". It puts allies and our enemies into their proper light, not the demonized fanatics of pop sham news but rather that Usama and Al Quaeda are fighting against not so much us but rather to change the Islamic world in their image. We are not so much the enemy as in the way of their ultimate objectives.
As others have stated,it is not the most even of books. If anything its' about 1/2 in depth analysis of UBL's persona and 1/2 a call for the US to clean up it's act internationally and domestically.
The author makes stark and sobering points regarding our ponderous relationship with Israel and how we have expended great national effort...just not necessarily in our national national interest.
Otherwise the author suggests a more determined military effort more precisely and cohesively engaged in the fight against Al Quaeda rather than engaged in distractive and ruinously costly diversions.
Otherwise, the author does not present any good alternatives for going the distance in this new war simply that we must.
Book Review: a different perspective
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is very well argued. I found the main thesis that Bin Laden is in a defensive and religiously justified jihad and that he is a folk hero to many Muslims very well stated. I think that alone makes the book an important document. The author's ideas as to a fix for this delimma we have of making so many Muslims our enemy I find too short-sighted. But definetly read Imperial Hubris for yourself.Book Review: Required Reading
Summary: 5 Stars
This book should be read by anyone who is interested in getting the real story on the administration's war in Iraq and the so-called war on terror. It explains why, unless we drastically change our foreign policy, we will be fighting the war against the Islamic jihadists for years to come. The author uses copious references to other works including the published words of bin Laden and other Al Qaeda big guns. It is a little wordy but well worth the time.Book Review: Somewhat disappointing compared to his interviews
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm disappointed in this book, not 'cos of the depth of the knowledge (although there are some surprising omissions from his bibliography). I've enjoyed Scheuer's interviews on NPR and the PBS Newshour, and was looking forward to his read.
The disappointment is that the analysis is so damn narrow. Scheuer is a realist, and can't conceive that anyone else is not a realist also. This leads him (like all realists) to diminish the scope of the possible, and to recommend accommodation with leaders who a jumped-up thugs. Also, there's a twinge of the middle-manager blinkerism about his complaints about both the Bush and the Clinton administration.
Also, he appears to have "went native" on Afghanistan, praising the mujahedeen while ignoring that they're murderous thugs. He seems to have a soft spot for doomed determined fighters (he just loooves General Lee) fighting for appalling causes.
I'm giving it three stars 'cos of the valuable references.
As to the folks here calling Scheuer a leftist; obviously you haven't read the book.